This monsoon (Aug-Sep) saw widespread submergence and devastation in the
Narmada valley due to the illegal increase of dam height earlier in May 2002 to 95m
(plus 3m humps) despite the fact that over 11000 families were not rehabilitated. On Sep 2, the water level rose to an unprecedented 107m at the dam site. At the satyagraha sites in Jalsindhi (Madhya Pradesh) and
Domkhedi (Maharashtra), activists and villagers stood in the rising waters for many days, refusing to move and voicing their silent protest against the lack of proper resettlement of dam oustees and affirming their right to life and livelihoods. Despite the water levels rising up to the neck in some places, the satyagrahis were steadfast in their will not to move.